Endangered Species in the Pacific Islands

The O‘ahu Plant Cluster Recovery Plan

Sixty-six endangered plant species found on the island of O‘ahu are covered in this plan. These plants grow in a variety of vegetation communities, elevations and moisture levels, and are variously threatened by factors such as feral animals, predation, and habitat degradation, and competition with alien plants.

The O‘ahu Plant Recovery Plan summarizes available information about each plant, reviews the threats posed to their continued existence, and lists management actions that are needed to remove these threats.

The ultimate goal of this plan is to provide a framework for the eventual recovery of these 66 plant species to the extent possible, preferable so that their protection by the Endangered Species Act is no longer necessary.

Trematalobelia singularus - Photo credit USFWS

Habitat & Distribution:
Plants covered in this plan occur on Federal lands on portions of O‘ahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Schofield Barracks, Makua Military Reservation, and Kawailoa Training Area, under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army; and Lualualai Naval Magazine, under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Navy, in addition to other state and private lands.

The 66 taxa included in this plan grow in a variety of vegetation communities (lowland and mesic forests, shrublands, and volcanic cliffs) elevation zones (coastal to high cliff faces), and moisture regimes (dry and wet).

Recovery:
Some of the plants covered in this plan occur on Federal lands and Federal agencies are required by section 7 of the Endangered Species Act to ensure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by them is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species.

The U.S. Army has consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and developed a program to implement conservation measures. These measures include fire control, realignment of firing targets, controlling feral
ungulates, controling alien plants, and reintroductions.

Seeds of some of these species have been collected and stored or propagated by several botanical gardens and the Pahole Rare Plant Facility.